Ergonomic handle

ABSTRACT

The Ergo-Handle, integrated into the surface, ensures effortless, fast and secure opening of cabinet doors, drawers or other furniture every time, even when only one finger is used, from almost any direction, position or height of the person. Long fingernails, oily hands, or even arthritis easily allow perfect operation. The exact shape and size to accommodate the anatomy of the human hand when operating the handle requires precise considerations. Potential injuries are virtually eliminated because of the total absence of any protrusions. Pleasing contours add distinctive personality, while for instance decorative centerpieces, such as marble discs, exhibit astonishing beauty.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to prior Application No. 60/351,234 filed on: Jan. 23, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to handles primarily for cabinets and furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Traditional handles-for cabinets, closet doors and drawers do have considerable disadvantages. Especially kitchen and bathroom cabinets employ protruding handles, usually with sharp edges or corners.

[0004] These standard handles are not easy to operate, conflict with human ergonomics, and when we are not careful, they tend to twist our fingers. Diversions in the-kitchen-help us to painfully hit our knee caps in these often sharp edges, or even worse, kids could potentially seriously injure their eyes or faces on these handles. Although considerable efforts have been invested into improving the designs, the basic concept of handles remain. The hand has to move to a precise position, move again to enable the fingers to enter the handle, then the fingers have to securely grip the handle, pull on the handle, and then release it and finally the hand has to move away from the handle to gain clearance.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for advanced handles that interact with the human anatomy in a natural fashion, while drastically reducing or even eliminating possible injuries.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An Ergonomic Handle integrated into the surface of the cabinet doors, drawers or other furniture. The operation of the handle is streamlined. The hand only moves to the approximate position of the handle, then the shape of the handle automatically guides just one finger to follow the contour of either operating surface. The hand pulls on the handle, opening the door or drawer. A minimal motion of just one finger over a minimal distance, and the hand is free to move in any direction.

[0007] An effortless, fast and secure grip every time, even when only one finger is used, from almost any direction or height of the person. Long fingernails, oily hands, or even arthritis easily allow perfect operation. The exact shape and size to accommodate the anatomy of the human hand when operating the handle requires precise considerations.

[0008] Potential injuries are virtually eliminated because of the total absence of any protrusions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Referring to the drawings:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handle as operated, in accordance with the invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is the cross section A-A of FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handle as operated. The typical operation is shown: the hand and arm barely moves to operate the handle. The index finger is automatically positioned tangentially along the inner edge 21 of the handle. The upper portion of the index finger 31 may lever against the rounded outer contour 23 to achieve a powerful grip. The inner edge 21 is reasonably sharp for amazingly easy operation.

[0013] Alternatively, the reasonably rough, sticky, rippled or otherwise grippy depression 20 can be used, especially when standing near the hinges of a door. Ergonomic operation requires using the handle efficiently from almost any point and direction, the length and width of the depression 20 should be used to allow that.

[0014] Any specific area of the handle, operated from any direction, generates the same astonishingly easy operation. The clearance between the inner and outer contour should be reasonably wide. This makes the operation even easier for all persons, with or without disabilities, including arthritis.

[0015]FIG. 2 is the cross section A-A of FIG. 1. Represented here is the handle of one door 10. The particular handle illustrated consists of the depression 20, the main operating edge 21, the undercut 22, the outer edge 23, and finally the inner edge 24. Especially the depression 20 and the undercut 22 can be produced with appropriate routers by cutting a deep groove into the wooden surface. Especially the main operating edge 21 combined with the inner edge 24, or any part or combination of the handle, as well as the entire handle, could be inserted as for example a decorative metal part.

[0016] The handle may be produced by routing the wooden piece with appropriate routers by using a jig or a computer controlled router station. Alternatively, formed parts, such as stamped metal or sanded marble, can be inserted into accordingly prepared areas of the handle.

[0017] Thus, an ergonomic handle is disclosed that enable effortless operation under almost any conditions for virtually any person, while avoiding potential injuries. While I have shown and described a specific description of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. I desire it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown or described, and I intend in the appended claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What I claim is:
 1. An ergonomic handle.
 2. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle adapts to the ergonomics of the human hand.
 3. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle allows effortless operation.
 4. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle allows effortless operation from any direction.
 5. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein any specific main area of the handle allows effortless operation.
 6. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle operates effortlessly despite long fingernails, oily hands, disabilities, including arthritis.
 7. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle virtually eliminates potential injuries.
 8. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle can be efficiently produced.
 9. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle can be mass produced.
 10. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle can accept or be made of formed and/or inserted parts.
 11. The ergonomic handle of claim 1, wherein the handle can enhance decorative qualities. 